LeBron James recently ended an incredible streak that lasted nearly 1,300 games. For the first time since January 5, 2007, he didn’t score in double digits during a regular-season game. He finished with just eight points but played a crucial role in his team’s narrow 123-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors.
When it mattered most, instead of shooting for that last basket, LeBron opted to pass to his teammate Rui Hachimura, who hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer. “I always make the right play,” LeBron said, reflecting on his decision. His focus has always been on the game itself, prioritizing team success over personal stats.
The streak, which reached 1,297 games, overshadowed previous records like Michael Jordan’s 866-game streak. Kevin Durant now holds the longest active double-digit scoring streak at 267 games, which means he would have to play for another decade to catch up to LeBron.
Looking back, this streak began after LeBron scored just eight points in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks in his fourth NBA season. Since then, he’s dazzled fans with consistent scoring. Fans used social media to share their thoughts, with some noting how long it’s been since LeBron hadn’t scored 10 points—before Twitter was popular, back when George W. Bush was president.
In recent games, whispers of LeBron “stat-padding” emerged, especially as some analysts observed he seemed to be focused on maintaining his streak. Former NBA player Chandler Parsons commented, “It felt like he was more concerned about his legacy than the game’s outcome.”
Despite this hiccup, LeBron remains a force in the league, even in his 23rd season. He has faced injury setbacks, including missing training camp and the first 14 games this season due to nerve issues. Yet, he continues to demonstrate his ability to influence the game, as seen by his 11 assists on this night.
In retrospect, this streak may not just be a statistic; it represents LeBron’s evolving role within the team as he navigates the later years of his career while continuing to impact the game in meaningful ways.
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